“The creation of this office is a dynamic step,” says the CPC, “in ensuring that the 2 countries’ collaboration continues to grow. It is a tangible demonstration that the Canadian pork and beef industries are eager and ready to have a stronger presence in China’s impressive and competitive market.”
CPC was asked by Pig Progress that with China rebuilding its national herd after ASF decimation, how important is it for the Canadian pork industry to make further inroads in the remaining market share that’s available.
CPC consulted with David Typer, Chair of the Canadian Meat Advocacy Board, who said “Canadian farmers and processors are looking to maintain the access we have today and grow it even more…The Canadian pork and beef industries are ready to provide more products and create a stronger presence in China’s competitive market.”
Long-term plan
This office has been several years in the making, in collaboration with the Canadian government, Canada China Business Council and other sector leaders to “execute a business model that is attentive and responsive to the needs of Canadian producers and processors.”
Canada’s Minister of Agriculture visited China recently to launch the office, along with members of CPC and the other organizations, and attended several meetings. Chris White, President and CEO of Canadian Meat Council and Canada Pork, said “we know a visit like this demonstrates how seriously [the Minister] takes this, and we appreciate his leadership on the issue.” Canada Pork is the primary agency for promoting international marketing of pork, and has offices in China and Japan.
Other initiatives
In February 2024 CPC and Canada Pork launched the ‘Indo-Pacific Agriculture and Agri-Food Office’ in Manila, Philippines to support growth of exports there. The office is a joint venture between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Typer says that the new Canadian Meat Advocacy Office in China differs from the office in Manilla in that it “focuses on the intricacies of Canadian pork and beef within the Chinese market. The Indo-Pacific office has a mandate across a much larger geographic area and for all agricultural products.”
Also in February, Canada Pork had meetings with pork industry leaders in Mexico, Canada’s fourth-largest pork export market.
In March, it sent delegates to the Food & Hotel Vietnam tradeshow and also attends many other food industry shows such as SIAL China and ‘China Meat Industry Week’. In recent years, it has employed extensive social media strategies in Asia as well.
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